Psychodynamic approach unconscious mind

Question 1

Define what is meant by the ‘unconscious mind’

Answer 1

Freud proposed that there are different levels of consciousness. ​

Consciousness is what we are currently aware of; our thoughts and perceptions.​

Pre-consciousness is what we could be conscious of if we thought about it; memories and stored knowledge.​

Unconsciousness are the thoughts and feelings which are inaccessible to us; unacceptable sexual desires, desire for pain, violent motives, immoral urges, selfish needs, shameful experiences, traumatic experiences.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by the ‘unconscious mind’

Answer 2

Linked with the concept of the unconscious, are ego defence mechanisms.​

These are ways that the ego protects itself from unconscious thoughts and feelings that may cause stress if they became conscious. ​

The ego uses these defences to deal with the stress caused by the conflicting demands of id and superego. ​

Defence mechanisms can either push a desire or conflict out of conscious thought or transfer it onto something safer.​

These defence mechanisms may help in the short term, but if overused can lead to disturbed behaviour

Question 3

What are the examples of our defence mechanisms

Answer 3

repression, regression, displacement and projection.​

Question 4

Example for the ‘unconscious mind’

Answer 4

Some examples of defence mechanisms are; repression, regression, displacement and projection.​

Repression is pushing bad experiences or negative emotions into the unconscious so you no longer think about them. For example, you were humiliated in the dining room at lunch, but can no longer remember the event.​

Displacement: transferring undesirable impulses from one person to an object or another person. For example, someone who is angry at their boss may go home and kick their cat.